We are living during a time of rapid technological change. Emerging technologies---notably information and life science technologies---have profound social, political, psychological and ethical implications. Public perceptions of emerging technologies are potentially volatile. The Swinburne National Technology and Society Monitor (SNTSM) was developed by the Australian Centre for Emerging Technologies and Society (ACETS) at Swinburne University of Technology. It involves a representative nationwide survey of Australians, and provides an annual ‘snapshot’ of public perceptions regarding new technologies in Australia. The 2005 Monitor is the third edition of the Swinburne National Technology and Society Monitor. It provides a snapshot of public perceptions in 2005, and how these perceptions have changed since 2003. [Introduction]

Other results from the 2005 SNTSM can be found in the following journal articles: (1) Hardie, E. and Buzwell, S. (2006) ‘Finding love online: the nature and frequency of Australian adults’ internet relationships’, Australian Journal of Emerging Technologies and Society 4(1): 1-14. URL: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/5007. (2) Gilding, M. and Turney, L. (2006) ‘Public opinion on DNA paternity testing: the influence of the media’, People and Place 14(2): 4-13. URL: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/5003.